James Michael Jones Jr.

James Michael Jones Jr., age 55 of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2024, while being compassionately cared for by Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Jamie was a beloved son, brother, and uncle. Born in Toledo, OH, he is survived by his father James Jones Sr., mother Linda Prange, brother Kevin (Jennifer) Jones, and nieces, Claudia and Abigail. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth Prange, Helen (Elder) Prange, Ivie Jones, and Ruth (Speas) Jones.

‘Chewy’, as he was known by family and friends, had an extremely kind, generous, curious, and jovial spirit. He was often seen zooming around Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and Chicagoland on his scooter and would never hesitate to lend a helpful hand or share a few jokes, which ended with his infectious laugh. He had a love for technology, dogs (especially German Shepards), and horses and was grounded by his passion for crystallography, which demonstrated his positivity throughout life and belief in success, prosperity, and fulfillment. Jamie loved to spend time researching and learning; he was always on a quest to simplify life through technology. He was a lifelong Michigan fan and found great pride witnessing their recent National Championship.

As a consultant over most of his professional career, he was an information technology entrepreneur and a proud veteran. He had passion for service to country, having served in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician. In his final assignment prior to an Honorable Discharge, he served on the USS John Rodgers (DD-983), a Spruance-class destroyer, which included a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea in support of Operation Desert Shield. He earned a National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Coast Guard SOS Ribbon. He was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the U.S. and member of The American Legion.

Jamie’s kind heart and mischievous chuckle will be sorely missed. Even in his remaining time with family, he found ways to make them laugh. Jamie found peace in knowing that “death is not the end of our life force energy.” An intimate celebration of life as well as a service at the Arlington National Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Fisher House Foundation, Buckeye Paws Program, Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio, or the Ohio State Neuro-Oncology Novel Therapies and Research Fund.